Well, finally! Lake District duo Aquilo returns with "I Gave It All," yet another stunning ballad that will promptly hit you in the chest and knock you flat onto your back. Sure that's a little dramatic, but this one definitely tugs at the heartstrings a little more urgently than usual from these two. It's a gorgeous record – complete with beautifully tender vocals, aching lyrics, and swirling, ambient production. At its inception, "I Gave It All" sounds like it'll be an emotive ballad backed solely by piano. Nearly two minutes in, that minimal soundscape swirls into something wonderful, complete with scarce electronic elements and strings layered throughout. Tom and Ben's latest track is a keeper. Last year's singles "Part of Your Life" and "You There" off last year's self-titled EP initially made us fall in love with Aquilo, but this stellar offering is probably their best (and most heartbreaking) yet.
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If you're in Manchester or London, catch Aquilo at one of their shows this month:
October 27 – Soup Kitchen – Manchester
October 30 – St Pancras Old Church – London